Proper Use

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Taking too much may increase the chance of side effects, while taking too little may lead to rejection of your transplanted organ.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Mycophenolate capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, open, or chew them.

It is important that you handle this medicine with care. Avoid inhaling the powder from the capsule or allowing the powder or the oral liquid to touch your skin or eyes. If the medicine gets on your skin, wash it thoroughly with soap and water. If the medicine gets in your eyes, wash them with plain water. Should a spill occur, wipe it up using paper towels wetted with water to remove the powder or liquid.

You should use the oral dispenser from the pharmacist to measure the correct amount of suspension. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use only the brand of mycophenolate tablets that your doctor ordered. Different brands may not work the same way.

If you are also using antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium (such as Maalox® or Mylanta®), do not use them at the same time as mycophenolate. Use them 1 hour before or 2 hours after your dose. If you have questions, talk with your doctor about the best times to use your medicines.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage forms (capsules, suspension, or tablets):

For heart transplants:

Adults—1.5 grams two times a day.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For kidney transplants:

Adults—1 gram two times a day.

Teenagers and children 3 months of age and older—Dose is based on body size as determined by the doctor. The suspension dose is 600 milligrams (mg) per square meter [m(2)] two times a day. The capsules and tablets are given as 750 mg to 1 gram two times a day.

Children younger than 3 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For liver transplants:

Adults—1.5 grams two times a day.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

The oral suspension can also be kept in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused suspension after 60 days.